Police Reveal Motive Behind Sexual Violence by Rock Climbing Coach
Jakarta — The Directorate for Women and Child Protection, Human Trafficking and Criminal Acts (PPA and PPO) of the Criminal Investigation Division (Bareskrim) of the National Police revealed the alleged motive behind the case of alleged sexual violence against female rock climbing athletes by former head coach identified as HB.
Director of the PPA and PPO Bareskrim, Brigadier General Nurul Azizah, stated in Jakarta on Tuesday that based on preliminary investigation findings, HB allegedly exploited his position as head coach to approach the athletes.
“Abusing his authority as head coach of the National Training Centre by exploiting the vulnerability of female athletes. Subsequently, committing indecent acts such as embracing, kissing, fondling, masturbation and sexual intercourse,” she said.
Furthermore, she noted that investigators have secured initial evidence, including an initial report of alleged sexual harassment from the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation (FPTI) dated 14 February 2026, a decision by the FPTI Board of Directors regarding national training centralisation in 2025, as well as identity documents and WhatsApp conversations between the female athletes and HB.
The case was reported under case number LP/B/101/III/2026/SPKT/Bareskrim Polri dated 3 March 2026.
Nurul explained that the alleged incidents occurred from 2021 to 2025, particularly at the Bekasi Athletes’ Dormitory located at Jalan Harapan Indah Boulevard Nos. 10-12, Medan Satria, North Bekasi, as well as in several countries when athletes participated in international competitions.
The report, she continued, was filed by the complainant identified as SD acting as authorised representative of the victims, who are female rock climbing athletes at the National Training Centre. The accused is HB.
Following up on the report, the Criminal Investigation Division’s PPA-PPO has conducted initial investigative steps.
She stated that on 6 March 2026, investigators conducted clarification with complainant SD and one athlete identified as PJ. “Additionally, investigators have accompanied the victim to undergo forensic medical examination at the Kramat Jati Police Hospital,” she added.
Subsequently, on 9 March 2026, investigators again conducted clarification with four other athletes identified as RS, PL, KA, NA, and AV. “For these athletes, requests for forensic medical and psychiatric examinations at the Kramat Jati Police Hospital have been issued,” she said.
She stated that investigators are currently continuing their work by conducting forensic examinations of the victims, psychiatric assessments, inspections of the crime scenes, as well as clarification with witnesses and the accused.
“Investigators will also gather further evidence to clarify the reported incidents,” she said.
In the case, HB as the accused is alleged to have violated Article 6(b) and (c) of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Offences in conjunction with Article 15 of the same law.
The penalties under these articles include imprisonment of up to 12 years and/or a fine of up to 300 million rupiah. The sentence may be increased by up to one-third if the offence is committed within an educational setting or is committed more than once.